Symptoms

Colorectal cancer often does not show symptoms in its early stages. However, as the disease progresses, signs may begin to appear. If you experience any of the symptoms below, it is important to consult a healthcare professional, as they may indicate cancer or other conditions that require attention:

changes in bowel habits: such as diarrhea or (constipation)
abdominal discomfort: such as frequent gas or cramps
rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
feeling that the bowel does not empty completely after a bowel movement
unexplained weight loss
excessive fatigue
changes in stool: dark-colored stool or changes in consistency and shape (e.g., pasty or hard and pointed)
nausea and vomiting
pain in the anal area during bowel movements
anemia of unknow origin

These symptoms can also occur in other diseases. Therefore, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

Causes

Several factors can increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer, such as:

aging: age over 50
family history of colorectal cancer
medical history: having had ovarian, cervical or breast cancer, for example
obesity and physical inactivity
inflammatory bowel diseases: such as chronic ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
hereditary conditions: such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), and other genetic syndromes related to hereditary cancer